Cloud Computing: Google Must Embrace Travel, Gaming: 10 Reasons Why

Google Must Embrace Travel, Gaming: 10 Reasons Why

by Clint Boulton

Google surprised only a few when it agreed to purchase ITA Software July 1. The search engine said it planned to use ITA's software to build flight search tools that would make it easier for users to search for flights, compare flight options and prices, and transfer to a site to purchase tickets. Interestingly, Hitwise has said Google would get into gaming, another Web vertical where Google lacks a presence. Days later TechCrunch reported that Google had invested $100 million to $200 million in social gaming specialist Zynga and had struck a deal to use the startup's platform. The idea is that Google could lure some users from Facebook if it could offer a gaming platform. Here are 10 reasons why Google needs to have a commanding presence in both online travel and gaming.